President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
